(10) mile ELITE Distance SUP Race - includes: pair of Rainbow Sandals, commemorative event tee and box lunch from Duke's Restaurant. Participants must have personal floatation device (PFD) on their person or board. Participants must carry water (hydration) on the person or board. This event requires skill & experience and is not for beginners. The board category for this race is 14' max (for both men & women).

(10) mile distance SUP Race - includes: pair of Rainbow Sandals, commemorative event tee and box lunch from Duke's Restaurant. Participants must have personal floatation device (PFD) on their person or board. Participants must carry water (hydration) on the person or board. This event requires skill & experience and is not for beginners.

Event Details

(San Clemente, CA)— Come join Rainbow Sandals and Gerry Lopez for the sixth year anniversary of the stand-up paddle phenomenon “Battle of the Paddle”. This year’s event is set for September 28 & 29, 2013 on the famous shores of Doheny State Beach in beautiful Dana Point, California.

Come witness the high-energy races, spirited fanfare, and experience a huge stand-up paddle (SUP) exposition that is the heartbeat and pulse of a global lifestyle.

This year, the Battle of the Paddle, is expecting over 1,000 entries from around the globe. SUP athletes will be racing for over $25,000 in cash & prizes (the largest on offer in the sport of SUP). Racers will also be taking part in two new Guinness World Record attempts. The first one on Saturday, to break the record for “the world’s largest paddleboard race” of “404” paddlers that set the record at last year’s event. And on Sunday, trying to break the existing record for “most surfers riding a single wave” (currently 110 surfers in Cape Town, SAF, 2009).Last year the Battle of the Paddle was very close with 95 surfers catching a wave off Doheny State Beach.

The Rainbow Sandals Gerry Lopez Battle of the Paddle is an ocean festival that includes races and demonstrations for all ages and skill levels. From beginners, to family and company relay teams, to high intensity elite competition, Battle of the Paddle is a showcase for the world’s fastest growing water sport.

Elite Race (Saturday September 28): This year again there will be heats & finals for the Elite Race. Both men & women Elite Racers will compete in the morning heats and ride 12’6 and under race boards. Top finishers in the morning heats will advance to the afternoon finals.

Free SUP Expo (Saturday September 28 & Sunday September 29): Meet the world’s best makers and manufacturers of SUP equipment, check out their latest designs and innovations and purchase these goods at steep discounts. Naturally there will be demo boards and paddles of all shapes and sizes available for those who want to perfect their stroke or even try SUP for the first time. Over eighty exhibitors scheduled to show this year.

Guinness World Records This year, the Battle of the Paddle is looking to break a Guinness World Record for “World’s Largest SUP Paddleboard Race”. Last year the record was set at the 2012 Battle of the Paddle with 404 participants completing the “Open Age-group Race”.The record attempt will happen Saturday’s again with the Open Age-Group Race.

On Sunday, the event will attempt to break the current Guinness World Record for “ Most surfers riding a single wave” (currently 110 surfers in Cape Town, SAF, 2009). Guinness World Record attempts for registered Battle of the Paddle participants only.

Entered participants (surfers) will follow Gerry Lopez’s que when attempting the surfing record. Last year was close with a confirmed 95 surfers catching a four foot wave at the main peak Doheny State Beach.

Open Age-Group Race: (Saturday September 28) Open to everyone! The course is a friendly, fun and moderately challenging four-mile paddle. Entrants can race on any board of their choosing, including surfboard class, 12’6″, 14′ and Unlimited. You can expect a Guinness World Record number of entries. Don’t miss out on being a part of Battle of the Paddle history!

SUP Distance Race: (Sunday September 29) Elevated to championship status this year, the Distance Race will have an Elite Class (14’0 for men & women) competing for cash prizes. Racers can also enter in their age-group categories in the 12’6, 14’ and unlimited classes. Also, new will be the multi-person craft class.

The Distance Race course is a scenic but challenging approximately 9.5 mile course from Doheny State Beach to San Clemente Pier, and back.Safety is paramount and all racers per the United States Coast Guard and the California State Parks Lifeguards are reminded that they must have a personal floatation device (PFD) as well as ample water (hydration) and food on their person/board.The PFD’s are mandatory!!!

SUP Relay Race: (Sunday September 29) A crowd favorite and super fun event that includes prize money. Last year over 160 paddlers participated and had an incredible amount of fun doing it. Recruit some family members, friends or make colorful fully sponsored team and give it a go! Each team must have at least one female relay member.

Kid’s SUP Race & DSBIA Kid’s Zone: If your kid is open to maximum fun, have him/her enter the Kid’s SUP Races being organized by Keli’s Outrigger & Paddles Sports. This year there will be two courses, one for intermediate and one for advanced groms.

The Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association (DSBIA) will be organizing an awesome Kid’s Zone throughout the weekend too. The Kid’s Zone to be located on the main beach under the Rainbow Sandals star tent.

Doheny State Beach The event is held on the famous shores of Doheny State Beach. Part of the California State Park System, Doheny State Beach offers the ideal venue to accommodate huge numbers of athletes and spectators.

Entry Information Everyone who enters The Battle of the Paddle will receive a free pair of Rainbow Sandals, event tee and lunch. Event proceeds support the Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association.

Whether you’re racing for the prize or just getting started, the Rainbow Sandals Gerry Lopez’s Battle of the Paddle is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the rich tradition of Southern California’s original surf lifestyle, and the dynamic new surf paddle sport known as SUP.

About the resorts of Dana Point(myDanaPoint.com) Conveniently located halfway between San Diego and Los Angeles in Orange County, Dana Point showcases a breathtaking collection of resort properties with an approachable elegance unique to the Southern California shoreline. Dana Point’s dramatic beauty is complemented by a distinct variety of year-round signature events, as well as boundless ocean experiences along its golden coast. Renowned as the whale watching capital of the world, Dana Point features an abundant marine life and a legendary harbor that opens to an ocean of possibilities.